Lord I come unworthy of you and what you have done. I come to you lacking and lazy with my plans. Yet you come, you come and you fill this place. You overwhelm me with hope and light when it seems hope was gone. You lay hold from heaven and perform a miracle in another's life. Thank you Lord, thank you.
I can't imagine the joy in heaven. The joy when one person makes one decision to sanctify their life....to turn away from the fruit Satan offers. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be so close to be able to witness your saving power to change and give new life. Lord I remember what you did for me. I remember you bringing me out of the dark and into your marvelous light. You gave me new life. A new life of truth, purity, light, love, peace, and joy. My life is now on a firm foundation, I no longer question. A life that delights in pleasing you and pursuing what is good and true rather than hiding and playing in the dark. Oh that others may see you...that they may lay hold of your face, to see your truth; that they may find peace in their soul and love for their brother.
Words can do me no justice to share what my heart cries out! My soul sings to heaven to see your saving grace! I love to see you work. I love the mysterious plans you orchestrate to bring strangers into friendship. Lord what you do I could never plan or imagine. I commit my life to following your lead. Take me Lord, where you will. Take me Lord, I want to see your glory.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Too much passion?
Sometimes I believe I get too excited about God. Sometimes I feel this overwhelming explosion of passion welling up on the inside when I meet someone that I can talk to "deeply" about God. Talking about His church, about His people, about whats going on at large in spiritual matters, about what He is doing and has done. There are so many times the pathway to deep conversations about God are blocked or cut off at the pass with small talk or just plain lack of any relationship, BUT there are those precious times when God is present and two believers get to join together in pursuing God and His Will. I treasure those moments...it's only too bad they aren't more frequent.
My fear is that I dominate a conversation and don't listen as much as talk. The fervent spirit in me just gets so out of control that there is actually a kindred spirit that understands what it feels that it just upchucks all over them. Excuse the language.
I pray that God would continue to humble me to allow my fellow believers room to share their faith and to shut my mouth to see what God may be trying to tell me. I am sorry God for not letting you speak to me and for interupting you. I know you know I love you, but again you find me, lacking.
God bless you all.....keep up the fight out there....seek and you will find....knock on those doors, they will be openend!!!
My fear is that I dominate a conversation and don't listen as much as talk. The fervent spirit in me just gets so out of control that there is actually a kindred spirit that understands what it feels that it just upchucks all over them. Excuse the language.
I pray that God would continue to humble me to allow my fellow believers room to share their faith and to shut my mouth to see what God may be trying to tell me. I am sorry God for not letting you speak to me and for interupting you. I know you know I love you, but again you find me, lacking.
God bless you all.....keep up the fight out there....seek and you will find....knock on those doors, they will be openend!!!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Beware of False Prophets...
1John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
Revelation 13:11 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.
A warning of deception, disguising itself as a "prophet" of God...Talking like a lamb, but if examined giving a false gospel.....Jesus said His followers and prophets would preach two things:
This is what is written: The Christ will suffer, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations…Luke 24:46-47
Jesus declared a two part message, repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached. I wonder today if the repentance part is being left out by false prophets. It seems you can hear many gospels of "Gain is Godliness" or the "Gospel of Prosperity." Many gospels which appeal to the selfishness of man by offering salvation and heaven with no cost on their part. Even Jesus declared we should count the cost of being a disciple. If a man goes to build a house and doesn't count the cost of materials and only ends up with enough money for a basement, that is rather foolish. Rather we are told to count the cost of picking up our cross and following Jesus. The cost is our selfish life.
Jesus never held back the truth of what was expected of His followers. Have we been so deceived that we can not tell the church of Christ from the world anymore? Is that Satan's plan to infiltrate and muddy up Christianity from the inside? When we walk out of the doors on Sunday are we sanctified or separated at all from the rest of the world, or do our lives look just like the worlds?
I think most of you would agree. It looks to me like the church today is very good at preaching the positive part of the Gospel. But it also looks like the gospel has been compromised by remitting the preaching of repentance. Of which, repentance is our part, that is what we are to do on our side of the deal. Sure there are thousands being saved by the preaching of forgiveness with no change in our current life...who wouldn't take that deal. I am going to heaven and all I have to do is walk down the isle and pray a prayer and I am done? They don't even know why they need to be "saved." No! Repent from your wicked ways and walk with the merciful Savior. Yes, there was an act that righted all wrongs 2000 years ago, BUT you choose Him every day, not just one day....and Yes you must fight and put yourself to death walking it out with Him every day. The Holy Spirit will convict you and expect you to yield. We are expected to daily submit and surrender to God's will.
Pick up your cross and follow me....notice he did not say you are forgiven go do whatever you want....NO....repent and put yourself to death daily.
Jesus told the woman at the well.....Go and Sin no More!
Jesus told us, be perfect as my Father in heaven is perfect.....which means-repent and be like Him!
We are aliens and strangers here in temporal tents...If one is never told and understands their sin and their need for Jesus, why would they pick up their cross? If we think we are just good little people, why do we need a Savior? If we haven't seen our wretchedness, why do we need grace? I tell you the truth, if we don't start getting convicted to preach on the sinfulness of men and give understanding to the people in the church buildings, we will never see a revival that roots deep in the heart of God. We are all sinners and deserve the wrath of hell...there is not one who can stand under the righteousness of God....
I can't say I have ever sat in a church building where the pastor told the congregation that they were wretches and deserved hell...Well, WHY NOT??? Is it not the truth? Who are we serving, man or God? Why would we compromise God's Word and truth? Are we afraid of offending people with the truth? Again I ask, who is the church serving, God or man's pride?
If we have more people coming in the door of our buildings, because we are compromising the truth, do we really think God will honor that? Shouldn't we be more concerned with what God wants preached rather than what man wants preached?
Man's sin and fallen state is a basic foundational truth that without that understanding the whole rest of Christianity is not able to live. Jesus commanded a two part gospel, death and resurrection...we have to see the need for our own death, the need for Jesus' death, before we can be resurrected. This is the message throughout the Bible...man's need for repentance, man's need to humble himself before God, man's inherent flaw that he continues to sin and sin and sin...If anyone is offended by this, examine your own heart, is it not your story and mine just as much as any???? Can we be that honest with others?
A gospel preached without repentance that only focuses on the selfish things we get out of the cross and out of Jesus IS a false gospel. There is a cost, and it needs to be told.
I know I need a Savior. My faith is weak and does not stand up to trials and temptations. I lose self control in front of my dinner plate and find myself suffering after a meal from gorging myself. I buy that extra Starbucks when I know I don't need it. I catch myself looking too long at things I should not. These things are what drive me to Jesus, my desperate need for Him and the realization of how bad that state that I am in without His love, patience, understanding, and resurrection! So great the grace of Jesus! What a Savior that opens His arms and delights every time I turn away from me and look to Him! What greater love is there than this love?
I urge you all to test the spirits of what you are hearing, make sure you are not buying into a false gospel...one that leads you into the ways of the world, into selfish gain. If it is just puffing you up into a false sense of security that everyone is good and only good things happen to good people. That God just wants you to be good, that you are ok, that you deserve prosperity and blessings. Be afraid of those who believe too much in the power of man without God. Man's ways are foolishness to God's ways. Test it to see if it is Scriptural, test it to see if Jesus would have said it, test it to see if the Holy Spirit inside you finds it true...
I invite you all, please let me know if any of this sounds untrue or unscriptural...I have been known to make mistakes...but I really have felt God speaking this to me for the last few months now...
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
Revelation 13:11 Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.
A warning of deception, disguising itself as a "prophet" of God...Talking like a lamb, but if examined giving a false gospel.....Jesus said His followers and prophets would preach two things:
This is what is written: The Christ will suffer, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations…Luke 24:46-47
Jesus declared a two part message, repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached. I wonder today if the repentance part is being left out by false prophets. It seems you can hear many gospels of "Gain is Godliness" or the "Gospel of Prosperity." Many gospels which appeal to the selfishness of man by offering salvation and heaven with no cost on their part. Even Jesus declared we should count the cost of being a disciple. If a man goes to build a house and doesn't count the cost of materials and only ends up with enough money for a basement, that is rather foolish. Rather we are told to count the cost of picking up our cross and following Jesus. The cost is our selfish life.
Jesus never held back the truth of what was expected of His followers. Have we been so deceived that we can not tell the church of Christ from the world anymore? Is that Satan's plan to infiltrate and muddy up Christianity from the inside? When we walk out of the doors on Sunday are we sanctified or separated at all from the rest of the world, or do our lives look just like the worlds?
I think most of you would agree. It looks to me like the church today is very good at preaching the positive part of the Gospel. But it also looks like the gospel has been compromised by remitting the preaching of repentance. Of which, repentance is our part, that is what we are to do on our side of the deal. Sure there are thousands being saved by the preaching of forgiveness with no change in our current life...who wouldn't take that deal. I am going to heaven and all I have to do is walk down the isle and pray a prayer and I am done? They don't even know why they need to be "saved." No! Repent from your wicked ways and walk with the merciful Savior. Yes, there was an act that righted all wrongs 2000 years ago, BUT you choose Him every day, not just one day....and Yes you must fight and put yourself to death walking it out with Him every day. The Holy Spirit will convict you and expect you to yield. We are expected to daily submit and surrender to God's will.
Pick up your cross and follow me....notice he did not say you are forgiven go do whatever you want....NO....repent and put yourself to death daily.
Jesus told the woman at the well.....Go and Sin no More!
Jesus told us, be perfect as my Father in heaven is perfect.....which means-repent and be like Him!
We are aliens and strangers here in temporal tents...If one is never told and understands their sin and their need for Jesus, why would they pick up their cross? If we think we are just good little people, why do we need a Savior? If we haven't seen our wretchedness, why do we need grace? I tell you the truth, if we don't start getting convicted to preach on the sinfulness of men and give understanding to the people in the church buildings, we will never see a revival that roots deep in the heart of God. We are all sinners and deserve the wrath of hell...there is not one who can stand under the righteousness of God....
I can't say I have ever sat in a church building where the pastor told the congregation that they were wretches and deserved hell...Well, WHY NOT??? Is it not the truth? Who are we serving, man or God? Why would we compromise God's Word and truth? Are we afraid of offending people with the truth? Again I ask, who is the church serving, God or man's pride?
If we have more people coming in the door of our buildings, because we are compromising the truth, do we really think God will honor that? Shouldn't we be more concerned with what God wants preached rather than what man wants preached?
Man's sin and fallen state is a basic foundational truth that without that understanding the whole rest of Christianity is not able to live. Jesus commanded a two part gospel, death and resurrection...we have to see the need for our own death, the need for Jesus' death, before we can be resurrected. This is the message throughout the Bible...man's need for repentance, man's need to humble himself before God, man's inherent flaw that he continues to sin and sin and sin...If anyone is offended by this, examine your own heart, is it not your story and mine just as much as any???? Can we be that honest with others?
A gospel preached without repentance that only focuses on the selfish things we get out of the cross and out of Jesus IS a false gospel. There is a cost, and it needs to be told.
I know I need a Savior. My faith is weak and does not stand up to trials and temptations. I lose self control in front of my dinner plate and find myself suffering after a meal from gorging myself. I buy that extra Starbucks when I know I don't need it. I catch myself looking too long at things I should not. These things are what drive me to Jesus, my desperate need for Him and the realization of how bad that state that I am in without His love, patience, understanding, and resurrection! So great the grace of Jesus! What a Savior that opens His arms and delights every time I turn away from me and look to Him! What greater love is there than this love?
I urge you all to test the spirits of what you are hearing, make sure you are not buying into a false gospel...one that leads you into the ways of the world, into selfish gain. If it is just puffing you up into a false sense of security that everyone is good and only good things happen to good people. That God just wants you to be good, that you are ok, that you deserve prosperity and blessings. Be afraid of those who believe too much in the power of man without God. Man's ways are foolishness to God's ways. Test it to see if it is Scriptural, test it to see if Jesus would have said it, test it to see if the Holy Spirit inside you finds it true...
I invite you all, please let me know if any of this sounds untrue or unscriptural...I have been known to make mistakes...but I really have felt God speaking this to me for the last few months now...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Death to Life
This song has meant a lot to me, thought I would share. Check it out: http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=9195
You can left click to listen or you can right click to save target as to put in your music library.
Enjoy!
Here are the lyrics to go with it...
Death to Life
Baptized in Christ
into His death
that we might walk
in newness of life
set free from sin
now slaves to righteousness
raised from the dead
by the glory of the Lord
You are the resurrection
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die
You are the resurrection
And the life
He who believes in you
Has passed from death to life
Body of sin
Buried with Him
He who dies
is freed from their sin
Sin shall not be
A master over me
I’m under grace
And I have been set free
You are the resurrection
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die
You are the resurrection
And the life
He who believes in you
Has passed from death to life
Baptized in Christ
into His death,
that we might walk
in newness of life
Set free from sin,
now slaves to righteousness
Raised from the dead
by the glory of the Lord!
Body of sin,
buried with Him
He who dies
is freed from their sin
Sin shall not be
a master over me.
I’m under grace,
and I have been set free!
You are the resurrection,
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die.
You are the resurrection,
And the life
He who believes in you
has passed from death to life!
You can left click to listen or you can right click to save target as to put in your music library.
Enjoy!
Here are the lyrics to go with it...
Death to Life
Baptized in Christ
into His death
that we might walk
in newness of life
set free from sin
now slaves to righteousness
raised from the dead
by the glory of the Lord
You are the resurrection
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die
You are the resurrection
And the life
He who believes in you
Has passed from death to life
Body of sin
Buried with Him
He who dies
is freed from their sin
Sin shall not be
A master over me
I’m under grace
And I have been set free
You are the resurrection
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die
You are the resurrection
And the life
He who believes in you
Has passed from death to life
Baptized in Christ
into His death,
that we might walk
in newness of life
Set free from sin,
now slaves to righteousness
Raised from the dead
by the glory of the Lord!
Body of sin,
buried with Him
He who dies
is freed from their sin
Sin shall not be
a master over me.
I’m under grace,
and I have been set free!
You are the resurrection,
And the Life
He who believes in You
Will never die.
You are the resurrection,
And the life
He who believes in you
has passed from death to life!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Then why are we here?
A young man posed this question to me last night when talking about following Jesus and being different than the rest of the world, about sanctification: "Then why are we here, if we are not to enjoy it?"
Wow, a very difficult question. I encourage all of you to search your soul on that one. What is it to you?
I cannot but come back to, it is God pursuing us for a relationship. It is God deserately hoping for us to turn to Him, acknowledge Him, submit our lives for Him, and to Love Him will all we have. It is the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength."
And as Jesus has shown us the perfect example of love, to lay down your life for others....So we are called to die to self, die to our own control, die to our sin, and so that we may truly be able to get ourself out of the way to love Him UNSELFISHLY, since that is what happens when the self is dead.......................It is love man, a wonderful, glorious love.
So, what is it to you?
Wow, a very difficult question. I encourage all of you to search your soul on that one. What is it to you?
I cannot but come back to, it is God pursuing us for a relationship. It is God deserately hoping for us to turn to Him, acknowledge Him, submit our lives for Him, and to Love Him will all we have. It is the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength."
And as Jesus has shown us the perfect example of love, to lay down your life for others....So we are called to die to self, die to our own control, die to our sin, and so that we may truly be able to get ourself out of the way to love Him UNSELFISHLY, since that is what happens when the self is dead.......................It is love man, a wonderful, glorious love.
So, what is it to you?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A kingdom of opposites
To have life, you must lose your life Matthew 10:39
If you want to be first in the kingdom, you must be the very last Mark 9:35
The greatest in the kingdom of God will be servant of all (Out of Mark 9:35 as well)
The King of the Universe, road into town on a donkey Mark 11:10
Love your enemy Matthew 5:44
In the Kingdom of Heaven...The last will be first and the first will be last (Luke 13:30)
To truly love, you must put your flesh to death
To obtain wisdom, fear the Lord Proverbs 9:10 (Previously posted on)
Amazing, mind-blowing words from Jesus...you talk about flipping the world of religious experts and laymen upside down...Many in that day did not see that coming. The king we were expecting to be great and powerful and he's riding on a donkey, has no beauty, no physical strength, no money, and no army???? Who is this man who claims to be the Son of God??? And he is going to let us kill and mame Him? He is going to lay down His life when He could call the clouds to reign down fire on us? He is going to serve us rather than conquer us? Humble Himself instead of exalt and assert the position of King in the land?
Yeah....makes you think! What are we expecting from Jesus? Do we expect to be lifted up, rule this material world? Do we wish to be served? Are we looking to be last? Are we seeking humility and humbleness? Are we seeking to be a servant to our wife, our family, our friends?
Just some things to meditate on this evening........It's been on my mind for a week or so now...God as He usual does pounds something into my tiny brain many times before I start to really catch on. So often I want big things, I wanna conquer the world for Jesus, when sometimes all He may be asking is to serve a single person, to show some love to someone having a bad day, to smile at the person that hates his job and cheer him up.
I was reflecting on Job while thinking of humility. Job was pretty sure of himself, even the Bible said he was the most righteous thing going. Job was so confident he faced God and argued his righteousness and that none of the terrible things that happened to him were justifiable and he wanted answers from the most high. Well, as it turns out...The Lord did answer this man who was so confident and proud of his righteousness, in his own abilities...
The Lord said, "Where were you when I laid the earths foundation? Tell me, if you understand Wo marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! ....See Job 38 to read the rest of what God had to say to little mortal man who overstepped what he thought he was.....Sounds like valid questions from God, who are we to question God???? Who are we to think we can stand on our own merit? What do we really know?
Humbling????
If you want to be first in the kingdom, you must be the very last Mark 9:35
The greatest in the kingdom of God will be servant of all (Out of Mark 9:35 as well)
The King of the Universe, road into town on a donkey Mark 11:10
Love your enemy Matthew 5:44
In the Kingdom of Heaven...The last will be first and the first will be last (Luke 13:30)
To truly love, you must put your flesh to death
To obtain wisdom, fear the Lord Proverbs 9:10 (Previously posted on)
Amazing, mind-blowing words from Jesus...you talk about flipping the world of religious experts and laymen upside down...Many in that day did not see that coming. The king we were expecting to be great and powerful and he's riding on a donkey, has no beauty, no physical strength, no money, and no army???? Who is this man who claims to be the Son of God??? And he is going to let us kill and mame Him? He is going to lay down His life when He could call the clouds to reign down fire on us? He is going to serve us rather than conquer us? Humble Himself instead of exalt and assert the position of King in the land?
Yeah....makes you think! What are we expecting from Jesus? Do we expect to be lifted up, rule this material world? Do we wish to be served? Are we looking to be last? Are we seeking humility and humbleness? Are we seeking to be a servant to our wife, our family, our friends?
Just some things to meditate on this evening........It's been on my mind for a week or so now...God as He usual does pounds something into my tiny brain many times before I start to really catch on. So often I want big things, I wanna conquer the world for Jesus, when sometimes all He may be asking is to serve a single person, to show some love to someone having a bad day, to smile at the person that hates his job and cheer him up.
I was reflecting on Job while thinking of humility. Job was pretty sure of himself, even the Bible said he was the most righteous thing going. Job was so confident he faced God and argued his righteousness and that none of the terrible things that happened to him were justifiable and he wanted answers from the most high. Well, as it turns out...The Lord did answer this man who was so confident and proud of his righteousness, in his own abilities...
The Lord said, "Where were you when I laid the earths foundation? Tell me, if you understand Wo marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! ....See Job 38 to read the rest of what God had to say to little mortal man who overstepped what he thought he was.....Sounds like valid questions from God, who are we to question God???? Who are we to think we can stand on our own merit? What do we really know?
Humbling????
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Amazing Grace
The longer I am a Christian, the more I realize...It's more than just a one day conversion and we don't need Jesus anymore...It's more than just choosing Jesus one day of our life 3 years ago. It's choosing Jesus and relying on Him to supply us bread daily. It's seeking His will every day. It's seeking His grace, every day. It's picking up our cross and carrying it until the death of self is complete. It's taking step after step with that cross following Jesus.
I ran smack into a brick wall this weekend. The more I fight against my flesh. The more I strive to be "perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect." The more I listen to Jesus say, "Go and sin no more." I can't even do good without being prideful about the good that I do. I can't keep the least of His commands. I fail to do what Jesus has asked of me. I realize, I deserve death, but Christ, He deserves my life...for what He did for me. Maybe if I can get myself out of the way enough, He just might be able to do something good, something genuine through me.
I am broken with failure asking for forgiveness for what I fight not to do. Not to run to my Savior asking for forgiveness for what I have asked for many times in the past. Oh how great your Mercy Lord! Oh how glorious, the love you have to wait on me to journey farther with you, to give you total access to me. That I may fully submit all areas of my life. That you may remake me into what you will. My patience for myself grows thin. I can't bear to fail you. Please take this poor sinners life and make it into something, something that brings glory and honor to your name.
Unimaginable, unfathomable...your love! Did you know when you asked of us, what you asked? Did you know the difficulty of what you asked? I think you probably did. So much failure, to strive to be like my Jesus. So much pain, when I fall so short. So much different than what I am, to serve and not to be served, to seek humility and humbleness rather than prop myself up with pride for everyone to look at. Why does it feel like everyone but me has it altogether? Why does it feel like I'm the only one who struggles to follow you? Why does it seem like everyone at church has it altogether?
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me....I once was lost, but now, I'm found...was blind, but now I see so clearly...Halleluah, grace like rain falls down on me. All my stains are washed away. Thank you Lord, for stepping down out of heaven to offer the only life line that can save me...You with me, every day, leading me through this journey, gazing into my eyes letting me know, everything will be alright, one day.........
I ran smack into a brick wall this weekend. The more I fight against my flesh. The more I strive to be "perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect." The more I listen to Jesus say, "Go and sin no more." I can't even do good without being prideful about the good that I do. I can't keep the least of His commands. I fail to do what Jesus has asked of me. I realize, I deserve death, but Christ, He deserves my life...for what He did for me. Maybe if I can get myself out of the way enough, He just might be able to do something good, something genuine through me.
I am broken with failure asking for forgiveness for what I fight not to do. Not to run to my Savior asking for forgiveness for what I have asked for many times in the past. Oh how great your Mercy Lord! Oh how glorious, the love you have to wait on me to journey farther with you, to give you total access to me. That I may fully submit all areas of my life. That you may remake me into what you will. My patience for myself grows thin. I can't bear to fail you. Please take this poor sinners life and make it into something, something that brings glory and honor to your name.
Unimaginable, unfathomable...your love! Did you know when you asked of us, what you asked? Did you know the difficulty of what you asked? I think you probably did. So much failure, to strive to be like my Jesus. So much pain, when I fall so short. So much different than what I am, to serve and not to be served, to seek humility and humbleness rather than prop myself up with pride for everyone to look at. Why does it feel like everyone but me has it altogether? Why does it feel like I'm the only one who struggles to follow you? Why does it seem like everyone at church has it altogether?
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me....I once was lost, but now, I'm found...was blind, but now I see so clearly...Halleluah, grace like rain falls down on me. All my stains are washed away. Thank you Lord, for stepping down out of heaven to offer the only life line that can save me...You with me, every day, leading me through this journey, gazing into my eyes letting me know, everything will be alright, one day.........
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Fishers of Men
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
I just have to sing the praise of God for you all tonight!
I have been praying these past days for my mission field...my largest mission field is my work. In the last 2 weeks God is blowing me away on a continual basis with opportunities to serve Him! So much pain it causes me to talk to some of my customers. For example, I was talking about the heat with a customer and he starts joking and laughing about how when we are in hell that we will be much hotter than that! Him and his coworkers just laughed their little heads off about that. As you may guess, I did not find it funny. Rather it cuts my heart to hear someone not care about their eternity. At any moment we could be cut off from this life and only by grace are we offered another 24 hours. There are many people I meet that seem to laugh at eternity...Keep in mind I am in and out of mechanics garages, but I fear the rest of the world is probably no different than this. Add in a few degrading comments about women and that makes a day for me.
But, as I said, I have been in pain so naturally, I have also been in prayer for them. Halleluah, God has answered that He cares too and He has orchestrated so many opportunities to talk about Jesus and eternity with many people I had never dreamed of talking to.
From a practical prespective, I have really noticed the fishing aspect of sharing Christ with others. Very similar you throw out your lines and test the water a few times with different Jesus code words to see if you can get a reaction, so that one is not too pushy OR you listen for Jesus code words...But sometimes I am finding it necessary to grab a harpoon and throw that sucker!!!! Best of all, one day I would like to have such faith that Jesus asks me to lower my net where I thought I had fished all that was there, but low and behold a whole net full comes over flowing in!
I encourage you all in your workplaces to pay attention to the people around you. Are you imitating them and their attitudes, language, humor, morality or lack there of, and the like? Or are you trying to be different, to be a light in dark places, to be like Jesus? Do you feel pain when you see someone struggling with addiction, broken homes, violence, or impurity? If you do, believe me, God cares too and He is hurting. His heart is broken giving grace to all of us waiting for us to turn to Him. If you feel the pain, then pray for them...but be forewarned a prayer in God's will like that will come to pass, so be ready to reap a harvest.
The funny thing about all this is I can confidently sit back and give God all the credit. None of this has happened except by prayer. It's not that I am so good at witnessing, because I am really bad at it...I am too exciteable and get going off on tangents...mostly I'm impatient to slow down and listen...(You should know that by reading this blog!) But oh!, when God starts working, my job is hands off and it's just allowing Him to conduct the day and pray that He can penetrate my dense brain well enough for me to know where to fish.
What are your thoughts on witnessing for Christ?
I just have to sing the praise of God for you all tonight!
I have been praying these past days for my mission field...my largest mission field is my work. In the last 2 weeks God is blowing me away on a continual basis with opportunities to serve Him! So much pain it causes me to talk to some of my customers. For example, I was talking about the heat with a customer and he starts joking and laughing about how when we are in hell that we will be much hotter than that! Him and his coworkers just laughed their little heads off about that. As you may guess, I did not find it funny. Rather it cuts my heart to hear someone not care about their eternity. At any moment we could be cut off from this life and only by grace are we offered another 24 hours. There are many people I meet that seem to laugh at eternity...Keep in mind I am in and out of mechanics garages, but I fear the rest of the world is probably no different than this. Add in a few degrading comments about women and that makes a day for me.
But, as I said, I have been in pain so naturally, I have also been in prayer for them. Halleluah, God has answered that He cares too and He has orchestrated so many opportunities to talk about Jesus and eternity with many people I had never dreamed of talking to.
From a practical prespective, I have really noticed the fishing aspect of sharing Christ with others. Very similar you throw out your lines and test the water a few times with different Jesus code words to see if you can get a reaction, so that one is not too pushy OR you listen for Jesus code words...But sometimes I am finding it necessary to grab a harpoon and throw that sucker!!!! Best of all, one day I would like to have such faith that Jesus asks me to lower my net where I thought I had fished all that was there, but low and behold a whole net full comes over flowing in!
I encourage you all in your workplaces to pay attention to the people around you. Are you imitating them and their attitudes, language, humor, morality or lack there of, and the like? Or are you trying to be different, to be a light in dark places, to be like Jesus? Do you feel pain when you see someone struggling with addiction, broken homes, violence, or impurity? If you do, believe me, God cares too and He is hurting. His heart is broken giving grace to all of us waiting for us to turn to Him. If you feel the pain, then pray for them...but be forewarned a prayer in God's will like that will come to pass, so be ready to reap a harvest.
The funny thing about all this is I can confidently sit back and give God all the credit. None of this has happened except by prayer. It's not that I am so good at witnessing, because I am really bad at it...I am too exciteable and get going off on tangents...mostly I'm impatient to slow down and listen...(You should know that by reading this blog!) But oh!, when God starts working, my job is hands off and it's just allowing Him to conduct the day and pray that He can penetrate my dense brain well enough for me to know where to fish.
What are your thoughts on witnessing for Christ?
Monday, August 6, 2007
Fear of the Lord
Ever had one of those times that God just keeps pounding the same message to you everywhere you look?
Well, I am having one of those times with a key word, "fear." When I was first reborn, there was a certain Scripture that caught my attention, because I could not understand what it meant. It developped a certain curiosity and found a place in my heart. I just felt it was important, for some "unknown reason." Following is that Scripture:
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
I am curious what your guys thoughts are on this particular Proverb and I shall keep what it has meant to me after I hear from you...... Also, another passage to just meditate on along the same train of thought:
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Well, I am having one of those times with a key word, "fear." When I was first reborn, there was a certain Scripture that caught my attention, because I could not understand what it meant. It developped a certain curiosity and found a place in my heart. I just felt it was important, for some "unknown reason." Following is that Scripture:
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
I am curious what your guys thoughts are on this particular Proverb and I shall keep what it has meant to me after I hear from you...... Also, another passage to just meditate on along the same train of thought:
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Cross
The following excerpt from Tozer, God has used in my life to tear down probably my biggest strong hold of sin in my life. I hope God can use it for you as He did for me:
The old cross is a symbol of death. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of a human being. The man in Roman times who took up his cross and started down the road had already said good bye to his friends. He was not coming back. He was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise, modified nothing, spared nothing; it slew all of the man, completely and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with its victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more. A.W. Tozer "The Radical Cross"
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
May God open our hearts and minds to fully embrace what Jesus Christ has asked us to do. May we understand the grace of Jesus who willingly laid down His life for us, so that we may have new life in Him. So glorious what Jesus has done. God inside us. BUT, will we deny ourselves and have our own life ended on the cross?
Everyone wants to go to heaven. That sounds so great. But who wants to have their life dismantled and torn apart by the cross? How many come to hear the good news and never give up the old way of life? How much does the church today cater to only entertaining this individual? When do we tell them what is involved? How many run right back to sin again and again? Who has been made a new creation by Jesus? Who is striving to be put to death like their Savior? I do not have the answers nor claim to. I do know that the truth of Chrisitanity is, carrying a cross and A.W. Tozer paints us a vivid image of what that looks like.
Jesus who Himself was meek, humble, and riding into town on a donkey comes to us as friends to show us the only way. He lived it and displayed how it is to be done. He has not forced this on us, he has not tricked us. He was plain and shared with us, if we would come, he never commanded we come. We have the option. We must stand at the foot of the cross and decide, is what Jesus did for me, worthy enough for me to decide to follow Him, knowing where that takes me, to my own cross? Is a right standing before God Almighty the Perfect and Holy One important to me, to have my sins remembered no more? Or do I chose to simply make my life a means to self-pleasure?
When a man left Rome with a cross, he did not go back. God bring us to our knees with a new revelation of your Face, that we will not go back to our old ways. Reveal yourself to us, that we may have enough to do what You have commanded. The life we leave behind reckon it dead. The old man we used to be was full of pride, let us walk away with cross in hand. As you walked. Let's leave it all behind and press on to the cross.
Oh Lord, that you would make us humble and meek, and set us on our way to death to self. I give you all permission and offer myself of my own free will to be put to death, because the love you have shown me offers me no other way but to trust you through this thing.
That we may enjoy You forever and ever, that we may see beyond calvary!
The old cross is a symbol of death. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of a human being. The man in Roman times who took up his cross and started down the road had already said good bye to his friends. He was not coming back. He was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise, modified nothing, spared nothing; it slew all of the man, completely and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with its victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more. A.W. Tozer "The Radical Cross"
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
May God open our hearts and minds to fully embrace what Jesus Christ has asked us to do. May we understand the grace of Jesus who willingly laid down His life for us, so that we may have new life in Him. So glorious what Jesus has done. God inside us. BUT, will we deny ourselves and have our own life ended on the cross?
Everyone wants to go to heaven. That sounds so great. But who wants to have their life dismantled and torn apart by the cross? How many come to hear the good news and never give up the old way of life? How much does the church today cater to only entertaining this individual? When do we tell them what is involved? How many run right back to sin again and again? Who has been made a new creation by Jesus? Who is striving to be put to death like their Savior? I do not have the answers nor claim to. I do know that the truth of Chrisitanity is, carrying a cross and A.W. Tozer paints us a vivid image of what that looks like.
Jesus who Himself was meek, humble, and riding into town on a donkey comes to us as friends to show us the only way. He lived it and displayed how it is to be done. He has not forced this on us, he has not tricked us. He was plain and shared with us, if we would come, he never commanded we come. We have the option. We must stand at the foot of the cross and decide, is what Jesus did for me, worthy enough for me to decide to follow Him, knowing where that takes me, to my own cross? Is a right standing before God Almighty the Perfect and Holy One important to me, to have my sins remembered no more? Or do I chose to simply make my life a means to self-pleasure?
When a man left Rome with a cross, he did not go back. God bring us to our knees with a new revelation of your Face, that we will not go back to our old ways. Reveal yourself to us, that we may have enough to do what You have commanded. The life we leave behind reckon it dead. The old man we used to be was full of pride, let us walk away with cross in hand. As you walked. Let's leave it all behind and press on to the cross.
Oh Lord, that you would make us humble and meek, and set us on our way to death to self. I give you all permission and offer myself of my own free will to be put to death, because the love you have shown me offers me no other way but to trust you through this thing.
That we may enjoy You forever and ever, that we may see beyond calvary!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Repenting from being a Pharisee
Matthew 5:3-10 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I have talked with some of you of my recent experience of repenting from being a Pharisee. I would like to share more.
About 1 month ago, I had a parting of the way with some very close friends. The division was based on a set of laws created by people. I was following my conscience and praying for guidance, but that did not seem to matter to these individuals. They had laws in place and they could not believe the Spirit within a man to be trustworthy enough to follow. Well, if we cannot rely on God inside of us, then we have totally lost anything of value in what it means to be a Christian. Jesus in you.
God also revealed to me that I too had participated in being a rule book, judgemental, proud Pharisee. I am sorry for this. If I have uttered any words to any of you that were out of place, please accept my apology.
Rather than pride and thinking I have it all figured out. God taught me HUMILITY. What a great word. God has also told me that I am an idiot. Which at first glance seems harsh, but I urge you to consider: It is not I that carry wisdom, love, and purity-but the One who is in me possesses all wisdom beyond measure. So I can say Blessed are the poor and humble and broken in spirit, because when we are weak and empty; that is when we are strong. In our humbleness we are lifted up, not in our pride.
To futher that cause, I have nothing to claim of my own even my intellect...But God is responsible for all...my very thoughts are His.
So, whether or not calling yourself an idiot is the right word. It works for me and keeps me in a humble stance; where I am able to love all the people God places in my life.
I just love those words...poverty of spirit. It is so freeing to know we don't have to seek greatness and be proud if we are great, but rather we should seek to think much less of ourselves and let God do the work. Because afterall, he is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and more than capable, if we believe.
I have talked with some of you of my recent experience of repenting from being a Pharisee. I would like to share more.
About 1 month ago, I had a parting of the way with some very close friends. The division was based on a set of laws created by people. I was following my conscience and praying for guidance, but that did not seem to matter to these individuals. They had laws in place and they could not believe the Spirit within a man to be trustworthy enough to follow. Well, if we cannot rely on God inside of us, then we have totally lost anything of value in what it means to be a Christian. Jesus in you.
God also revealed to me that I too had participated in being a rule book, judgemental, proud Pharisee. I am sorry for this. If I have uttered any words to any of you that were out of place, please accept my apology.
Rather than pride and thinking I have it all figured out. God taught me HUMILITY. What a great word. God has also told me that I am an idiot. Which at first glance seems harsh, but I urge you to consider: It is not I that carry wisdom, love, and purity-but the One who is in me possesses all wisdom beyond measure. So I can say Blessed are the poor and humble and broken in spirit, because when we are weak and empty; that is when we are strong. In our humbleness we are lifted up, not in our pride.
To futher that cause, I have nothing to claim of my own even my intellect...But God is responsible for all...my very thoughts are His.
So, whether or not calling yourself an idiot is the right word. It works for me and keeps me in a humble stance; where I am able to love all the people God places in my life.
I just love those words...poverty of spirit. It is so freeing to know we don't have to seek greatness and be proud if we are great, but rather we should seek to think much less of ourselves and let God do the work. Because afterall, he is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and more than capable, if we believe.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Aliens and Strangers here
Hebrews 11:13-16
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
This scripture fits how I am feeling. I can not but say it is lonely out there in my sales job week in and week out. I meet many people. Many people with all kinds of problems, many people who are lost. Many people I wish knew my Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes it feels so alien to cling onto Jesus when everyone I seem to talk to in regular life knows nothing about Him.
I have been praying for them. I see the traps they are stuck in. I see the pitfalls they are in. I know because I used to be in them.
My hope is this blog can reach out to other followers of Christ who are searching for that city on a hill. I would like to be frank and open and real with people. So lonely it can be being a follower of Christ with convictions, when all the world seems to have no conviction, no values. If you understand what I mean, I beg you to share with me, with others, here. Let us walk hand in hand, thought in thought.
I am tired of wearing the masks. I would like to be open and real with fellow believers. I think a little company on this journey through foreign land to our celestial one can only encourage us onward together........To ensure we all reach it together. I can think of nothing more important than assurance of people you care about spending eternity with you.....
Have you felt like an alien or a stranger here in this life? Please share.....
Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite passages. It fits exactly what I feel like a lot of the time. An additional thought I would like to leave you with-
Have you ever pictured the country the Israelites left in Egypt? Moses leading Israel out of slavery to Egypt and breaking the bondage of the ways of Egypt upon the people. Just as Jesus has freed us from slavery to this current world and it's slavery to money or sex or pride, making us aliens to it's ways, just as the Israelites were now strangers seeking a new life somewhere better. So we are strangers journeying through the wilderness of this world looking for our heavenly city, just like Canan was to the Israelites in the wilderness, we shall find a land flowing with milk and honey. A paradise where we spend eternity with our Creator!
Just a thought.......
May we all flee from worldly pursuits and pursue the one worthy pursuit...God.
See ya guys,
I encourage any communication.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
This scripture fits how I am feeling. I can not but say it is lonely out there in my sales job week in and week out. I meet many people. Many people with all kinds of problems, many people who are lost. Many people I wish knew my Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes it feels so alien to cling onto Jesus when everyone I seem to talk to in regular life knows nothing about Him.
I have been praying for them. I see the traps they are stuck in. I see the pitfalls they are in. I know because I used to be in them.
My hope is this blog can reach out to other followers of Christ who are searching for that city on a hill. I would like to be frank and open and real with people. So lonely it can be being a follower of Christ with convictions, when all the world seems to have no conviction, no values. If you understand what I mean, I beg you to share with me, with others, here. Let us walk hand in hand, thought in thought.
I am tired of wearing the masks. I would like to be open and real with fellow believers. I think a little company on this journey through foreign land to our celestial one can only encourage us onward together........To ensure we all reach it together. I can think of nothing more important than assurance of people you care about spending eternity with you.....
Have you felt like an alien or a stranger here in this life? Please share.....
Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite passages. It fits exactly what I feel like a lot of the time. An additional thought I would like to leave you with-
Have you ever pictured the country the Israelites left in Egypt? Moses leading Israel out of slavery to Egypt and breaking the bondage of the ways of Egypt upon the people. Just as Jesus has freed us from slavery to this current world and it's slavery to money or sex or pride, making us aliens to it's ways, just as the Israelites were now strangers seeking a new life somewhere better. So we are strangers journeying through the wilderness of this world looking for our heavenly city, just like Canan was to the Israelites in the wilderness, we shall find a land flowing with milk and honey. A paradise where we spend eternity with our Creator!
Just a thought.......
May we all flee from worldly pursuits and pursue the one worthy pursuit...God.
See ya guys,
I encourage any communication.
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